Strings
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> Viola
> Cello
> Double Bass
> Classical Guitar
> Harp
The Comprehensive Exam
The traditional Comprehensive syllabus provides a framework for the progressive development of a wide range of musical and technical skills, over a series of grades and diplomas from beginner to expert level. Technical, aural and sight-reading skills are acquired in a sequential way; and students gain a theoretical understanding of the works being studied and their historical context. Repertoire is carefully selected by experts to suit the needs of students at their particular stage of development; and to promote growth in musical understanding and artistry in performance.
The Repertoire Exam by video or face-to-face
The Repertoire exam might suit students whose program for developing technical, aural or sight-reading skills does not align with the requirements of a particular Grade in the AMEB Comprehensive syllabus. Candidates can present for an AMEB assessment with only repertoire performance requirements, using works selected from the AMEB Lists for the Grade along with an Own Choice option. There are no Technical Work, Aural Test, Sight-reading or General Knowledge requirements for a Repertoire exam.
Students have the option of recording their performance and submitting a video Repertoire exam at any time between 1 April and 27 November. Read more about video exams >
Exam requirements
It is essential that teachers and candidates consult the current year’s syllabus for details of AMEB exam requirements and note the applicable regulations, which are amended from time to time. The Manual of Syllabuses (Music Syllabuses) is available for purchase in the traditional hard copy format or as a digital file (PDF); and digital syllabuses are available for individual instruments and instrument families. Read more about purchasing syllabuses >
Performance Evaluation by video or face-to-face
For students whose learning program does not suit an AMEB Comprehensive or Repertoire exam, AMEB Victoria offers a Performance Evaluation Program. The content of the Evaluation is customised to the needs of the student at the time. In-person Performance Evaluations are available in durations of 10, 20 and 30 minutes and are usually scheduled alongside AMEB Comprehensive and Repertoire exams.
Students have the option of recording their performance and submitting a video for evaluation at any time between 1 April and 27 November. Read more about Performance Evaluation >
Teacher Consultation
A teacher may register for a 30-minute personal consultation with an AMEB Examiner. Find out more about Teacher Consultation >
Support Materials
AMEB produces a range of publications to support teaching and learning in most instruments (as listed below). Supplementary materials are available to support the development of aural skills, theoretical knowledge, etc. Click to read more about general publications >
Enrolling for face-to-face exams, evaluations and consultations
Exams, evaluations and teacher consultations for Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass and Classical Guitar are offered in five Metropolitan Practical Sessions and two Regional Practical Sessions. Exams for Harp are available in two Special Subject Sessions.
Diploma exams are held at the AMEB Studios in Hawthorn: Associate exams are available in each of the five Metropolitan Practical Sessions; Licentiate exams are offered in late-June and late-September. Click here for enrolment dates >
AMEB exams and evaluations in Strings are conducted by examiners who are specialists in their field: Violin-Viola, Cello-Double Bass, Classical Guitar or Harp.
Violin
The old Violin syllabus was withdrawn at the end of 2023 and is no longer available for examination.
Violin syllabus resources
Violin Series 10 grade books (Preliminary to Grade 7) (2021)
Violin Series 10 handbooks (digital and hardcopy versions) (Preliminary to Grade 7) (2021)
Violin Series 10 Recorded accompaniments (Preliminary to Grade 3) (2021)
Violin Technical work (2021)
Violin Sight-reading (2021)
Violin Series 9 Grade Books (Preliminary – Seventh Grade)
Violin Series 9 CDs and Handbooks (Preliminary – Seventh Grade)
Violin Series 9 Recorded Accompaniments (Preliminary – Grade 3) (2015)
| Violin Fees 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Preliminary | $ | 106.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 1 | $ | 114.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 2 | $ | 121.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 3 | $ | 135.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 4 | $ | 143.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 5 | $ | 152.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 6 | $ | 172.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 7 | $ | 204.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 8 | $ | 235.00 |
| Certificate of Performance | $ | 262.00 |
| Associate in Music | $ | 415.00 |
| Licentiate in Music | $ | 535.00 |
| Repertoire Preliminary | $ | 106.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 1 | $ | 114.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 2 | $ | 121.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 3 | $ | 135.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 4 | $ | 143.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 5 | $ | 152.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 6 | $ | 172.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 7 | $ | 204.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 8 | $ | 235.00 |
| Performance Evaluation 15min | $ | 72.00 |
| Performance Evaluation 30min | $ | 142.00 |
| Teacher Consultation | $ | 79.00 |
New Viola syllabus
A new Viola syllabus was released in 2024
AMEB’s new Viola syllabus reflects current international best practice in viola pedagogy. It seeks to enhance and inspire viola students’ growth and development, and more-closely aligns with the AMEB Violin syllabus.
The new Viola syllabus is supported by new publications, including: Viola Technical work (2023), Viola Series 2 repertoire books (Preliminary to Grade 6) and Viola Sight-reading (2023).
• The new Viola Level 1 technical work, sight-reading and repertoire are now closely aligned with the Violin Level 1 syllabus, supporting a more consistent experience for students, teachers and examiners across the two syllabuses.
• The new syllabus lists and the Viola Series 2 grade books encourage study of a variety of styles as Manual Lists are now structured according to historical period.
• A Certificate of Performance exam has been introduced after Grade 8, serving as a culmination of Level 2 studies and supporting preparation for the Associate Diploma exam.
New Viola syllabus resources
Users of the new syllabus will be able to source repertoire from Viola Series 1, Viola Series 2, and/or the new Manual Lists.
Technical work is set out in the new publication: Viola Technical work (2023). Viola Technical work (2007) may not be used with the new syllabus. This book may only be used with the Viola syllabus that last appeared in the 2023 Manual of Syllabuses.
The following publications are now available for purchase on AMEB Connect at discounted prices.
Viola Series 2 grade books (Grade 5 & Grade 6) (New 2024)
Viola Series 2 grade books (Preliminary to Grade 4) (2023)
Viola Technical work (2023)
Viola Sight-reading (2023)
Repertoire lists for the new Viola Series 2 grade books may be viewed here >
Exam entries: Note that it is not acceptable to present for examination with a mix of new (2025) and old (2023) syllabuses.
Alternative syllabuses in 2024 and 2025
The new Viola syllabus will be examined concurrently with the version of the Viola syllabus that last appeared in the 2023 Manual of syllabuses for two years after the release of the new syllabus. From the start of 2026 the previous Viola syllabus will no longer be available for examination.
| New (2025) Viola Fees 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Preliminary | $ | 106.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 1 | $ | 114.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 2 | $ | 121.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 3 | $ | 135.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 4 | $ | 143.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 5 | $ | 152.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 6 | $ | 172.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 7 | $ | 204.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 8 | $ | 235.00 |
| Certificate of Performance | $ | 262.00 |
| Associate in Music | $ | 415.00 |
| Licentiate in Music | $ | 535.00 |
| Repertoire Preliminary | $ | 106.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 1 | $ | 114.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 2 | $ | 121.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 3 | $ | 135.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 4 | $ | 143.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 5 | $ | 152.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 6 | $ | 172.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 7 | $ | 204.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 8 | $ | 235.00 |
| Performance Evaluation 15min | $ | 72.00 |
| Performance Evaluation 30min | $ | 142.00 |
| Teacher Consultation | $ | 79.00 |
Old (2023) Viola syllabus
Notice of withdrawal
The new (2025) Viola syllabus will be examined concurrently with the version of the Viola syllabus that last appeared in the 2023 Manual of syllabuses for two years after the release of the new syllabus. From the start of 2026 the previous Viola syllabus will no longer be available for examination.
Exam entries: To enter for an exam in the old syllabus last published in the 2023 Manual of syllabuses, select the Viola (2023) syllabus in AMEB Connect. Note that it is not acceptable to present for examination with a mix of new (2025) and old (2023) syllabuses.
Resources
Viola Series 1 Grade Books (Preliminary – Sixth Grade)
Viola Technical Work Book (2007)
| Old (2023) Viola Fees 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Preliminary (2023) | $ | 106.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 1 (2023) | $ | 114.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 2 (2023) | $ | 121.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 3 (2023) | $ | 135.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 4 (2023) | $ | 143.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 5 (2023) | $ | 152.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 6 (2023) | $ | 172.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 7 (2023) | $ | 204.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 8 (2023) | $ | 235.00 |
| Repertoire Preliminary (2023) | $ | 106.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 1 (2023) | $ | 114.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 2 (2023) | $ | 121.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 3 (2023) | $ | 135.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 4 (2023) | $ | 143.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 5 (2023) | $ | 152.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 6 (2023) | $ | 172.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 7 (2023) | $ | 204.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 8 (2023) | $ | 235.00 |
| Associate in Music (2023) | $ | 415.00 |
| Licentiate in Music (2023) | $ | 535.00 |
Cello
Resources
Cello Series 2 Grade Books (Preliminary – Grade 6)
Cello Technical Work Book (2009)
Cello Series 2 Recorded Accompaniments (Preliminary – Grade 3)
| Cello Fees 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Preliminary | $ | 106.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 1 | $ | 114.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 2 | $ | 121.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 3 | $ | 135.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 4 | $ | 143.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 5 | $ | 152.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 6 | $ | 172.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 7 | $ | 204.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 8 | $ | 235.00 |
| Certificate of Performance | $ | 262.00 |
| Associate in Music | $ | 415.00 |
| Licentiate in Music | $ | 535.00 |
| Repertoire Preliminary | $ | 106.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 1 | $ | 114.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 2 | $ | 121.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 3 | $ | 135.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 4 | $ | 143.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 5 | $ | 152.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 6 | $ | 172.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 7 | $ | 204.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 8 | $ | 235.00 |
| Performance Evaluation 15min | $ | 72.00 |
| Performance Evaluation 30min | $ | 142.00 |
| Teacher Consultation | $ | 79.00 |
Double Bass
Resources
Double Bass Series 1 Grade Books (Preliminary – Grade 4)
Double Bass Technical Work (2013)
| Double Bass Fees 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Preliminary | $ | 106.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 1 | $ | 114.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 2 | $ | 121.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 3 | $ | 135.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 4 | $ | 143.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 5 | $ | 152.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 6 | $ | 172.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 7 | $ | 204.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 8 | $ | 235.00 |
| Certificate of Performance | $ | 262.00 |
| Associate in Music | $ | 415.00 |
| Licentiate in Music | $ | 535.00 |
| Repertoire Preliminary | $ | 106.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 1 | $ | 114.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 2 | $ | 121.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 3 | $ | 135.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 4 | $ | 143.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 5 | $ | 152.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 6 | $ | 172.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 7 | $ | 204.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 8 | $ | 235.00 |
| Performance Evaluation 15min | $ | 72.00 |
| Performance Evaluation 30min | $ | 142.00 |
| Teacher Consultation | $ | 79.00 |
Classical Guitar
Resources
Classical Guitar Series 2 Grade Books (Preliminary – Sixth Grade)
Guitar Series 1 Grade Books (Preliminary – Fourth Grade)
Classical Guitar Technical Work (2011)
Classical Guitar Sight-Reading (2011)
| Classical Guitar Fees 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Preliminary | $ | 106.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 1 | $ | 114.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 2 | $ | 121.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 3 | $ | 135.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 4 | $ | 143.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 5 | $ | 152.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 6 | $ | 172.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 7 | $ | 204.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 8 | $ | 235.00 |
| Certificate of Performance | $ | 262.00 |
| Associate in Music | $ | 415.00 |
| Licentiate in Music | $ | 535.00 |
| Repertoire Preliminary | $ | 106.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 1 | $ | 114.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 2 | $ | 121.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 3 | $ | 135.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 4 | $ | 143.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 5 | $ | 152.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 6 | $ | 172.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 7 | $ | 204.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 8 | $ | 235.00 |
| Performance Evaluation 15min | $ | 72.00 |
| Performance Evaluation 30min | $ | 142.00 |
| Teacher Consultation | $ | 79.00 |
Harp
Level 2 candidates (Grade 5 to Certificate of Performance) must choose between Lever or Pedal subjects at the time of enrolment.
Resources
Harp Series 1 Grade books (Preliminary to Grade 4) (2020)
Harp Technical work Level 1 (Preliminary to Grade 4) (2020)
Harp Technical work Level 2 (Grade 5 to Grade 8) (2020)
Harp Sight-reading (2020)
| Harp Fees 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Preliminary | $ | 106.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 1 | $ | 114.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 2 | $ | 121.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 3 | $ | 135.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 4 | $ | 143.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 5 | $ | 152.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 6 | $ | 172.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 7 | $ | 204.00 |
| Comprehensive Grade 8 | $ | 235.00 |
| Certificate of Performance | $ | 262.00 |
| Associate in Music | $ | 415.00 |
| Licentiate in Music | $ | 535.00 |
| Repertoire Preliminary | $ | 106.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 1 | $ | 114.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 2 | $ | 121.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 3 | $ | 135.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 4 | $ | 143.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 5 | $ | 152.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 6 | $ | 172.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 7 | $ | 204.00 |
| Repertoire Grade 8 | $ | 235.00 |
| Performance Evaluation 15min | $ | 72.00 |
| Performance Evaluation 30min | $ | 142.00 |
| Teacher Consultation | $ | 79.00 |
All prices are in Australian dollars and include GST.